Summer.
The earth circles the sun, the days get longer, the weather gets warmer.
It’s my favourite time of year.
But could summer be bad for our skin?
Summer allows for a lot more outdoor activities, but basking in the sunshine means exposure to some powerful UV rays, while those rays might contribute to our bronzed glow, UV Rays can be harmful to our skin causing premature wrinkles and fine lines. In fact, UV damage causes brown spots and pigment irregularity, as well as broken capillaries and red blotches. All of these changes make the skin look older.
Built-In Protection
Your body is programmed to protect against environmental factors. That’s why you’ll notice an increase in oil as the weather heats up. Studies actually show that during the spring, skin starts to produce more sebum and increases its production right into the summer months.
It’s your body’s way of creating a protective barrier against UV Rays.
This is great for any of those who have suffered from dry, dehydrated skin in the past months but if you’re prone to acne you’ll likely see an increase in breakouts.
After washing your face, apply a lightweight moisturizer with an SPF of 15 or more.
Whether or not you plan on wearing makeup, an SPF is a preventative measure. You can use a moisturizer with a built-in SPF for your face, or a lightweight sunscreen. Don’t forget to apply an SPF to your neck, chest and hands which usually show the first signs of UV damage.
Exfoliate one to two times a week to remove dead skin. This has two huge benefits, it prevents blocked pores, which leads to acne, and secondly, it will enhance your summertime glow and lighten discolourations.
It’s vital to pay attention to your skin; over-exfoliating can cause dehydrated skin which will produce more oil. Look for alpha or beta hydroxy cleansers that are gentle and non-stripping. Exfoliating the chest and neck areas can also be beneficial.
Tanning, or really anytime spent in the sun, pulls the moisture from your skin. To prevent dry flaking skin as well as to lock in your tan, add moisture back into your skin every night.
Serums are a great way to hydrate and treat your skin. Serums including Hyaluronic Acid, are helpful in the summer. Hyaluronic Acid binds to water to help retain moisture, while also giving the benefits of more supple skin.
Start utilizing these in your summer skin routine, you'll be surprised to see the difference in your skin health. If your skin is showing signs of premature aging, book a microneeding session.
Tag BraveGirl on social media with the tag: #bravegirlskincare
xo,
KattRu
Comments